Andrew Ortenberg
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We’ve got one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries here on Saturday as the Boston Celtics will take on the Los Angeles Lakers. Los Angeles has looked great while defending their title so far, while the Celtics once again look like a contender in the Eastern Conference.
What better way to make this nationally televised showdown even more entertaining than by betting a same game parlay? We’ve also got thoughts on the side and total, which you can find out in our full game preview. If you’re new to same game parlays and want to find out more, be sure to check out our handy guide, which details how they work and which sportsbooks currently offer them.
Boston Celtics ML (+120)
Jayson Tatum to score 35+ points (+800)
Daniel Theis to score 10+ points (+102)
Parlay odds: +2690
We’ve got a three-leg one for you here, which pays out north of 25/1 with FanDuel Sportsbook. The great part about same game parlays is that you can stack plays which correlate, and all three of these do heavily. Let’s break them down:
Boston Celtics ML (+120)
The Lakers got off to a torrid start, but they very clearly aren’t playing their best ball at the moment. They’re coming off back to back losses, the first one a close one to the 76ers, but the second one an ugly blowout against the lowly Pistons. Anthony Davis didn’t play against Detroit, and the Lakers haven’t said whether he’ll suit up here, but even if he does he won’t be 100 percent. LeBron James is also banged up at the moment, giving Boston another edge.
The Celtics are 5-2 at home this year, and one of those losses was when Jayson Tatum was still out due to COVID. Tatum is of course the most talented player on the team, and I think he’ll be leading them to victory here. He only came back two games ago, and I don’t think oddsmakers are properly accounting for the difference he makes yet.
Jayson Tatum to score 35+ points (+800)
This play might have steep odds, but it obviously correlates strongly with a Boston win. If Tatum goes off for at least 35 points, I don’t see them losing. In two of Tatum’s last three games before getting sidelined by COVID he had at least 32 points, so I really don’t think this is that big of a long-shot. He had 40 in a win over Toronto right before going down. The last time he faced the Lakers he scored 41 points, and if there was going to be a time for an explosion it would come here in this highly anticipated showdown that the whole country is going to be watching. His scoring upside is undeniable, and I don’t think any of the Lakers’ wings can slow him down.
Daniel Theis to score 10+ points (+102)
This play also correlates strongly with the Celtics winning, as Theis has scored at least 10 points in four of Boston’s last five victories. In their last two wins, he’s scored at least 17 points both times. Other than one recent game where he only played 12 minutes due to foul trouble and matchup issues, he’s been scoring the ball really well lately. Then throw in the fact that Davis either won’t be playing here at all or will be playing hobbled, and I see him having a lot easier time scoring around the rim.
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